The implementation of the Operational Programme Competitiveness and Cohesion 2014–2020 (OPCC) in Croatia took place under exceptional conditions shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and two major earthquakes. In response, the programme was amended in its final phase through the introduction of two additional Priority Axes: PA 11, aimed at strengthening enterprise resilience and competitiveness, and PA 12, focused on earthquake damage recovery. This paper builds on the ex post evaluation of these Priority Axes and conceptualises evaluation as an integral component of policy learning and programme improvement within cohesion policy.

The analysis combines an ex post impact evaluation of PA 11 and an ex post process evaluation of PA 12, applying a theory-of-change framework and a mixed-methods research design. The methodology integrates document analysis and administrative data with beneficiary surveys, semi-structured interviews, focus groups and site visits. Systematic triangulation of qualitative and quantitative evidence was used to enhance the robustness of findings in a context characterised by limited time lag between implementation and evaluation and significant external shocks.

The findings reveal pronounced asymmetries in resource allocation and implementation constraints. In PA 12, effectiveness was primarily limited by complex administrative and public procurement procedures embedded in the institutional and regulatory framework. In contrast, PA 11 was constrained by insufficient financial allocations relative to demonstrated demand, despite strong and measurable positive effects on business performance. The paper demonstrates how ex post evaluations can inform future programme design, improve resource allocation decisions, and enhance the responsiveness of cohesion policy to crisis conditions.

Authors:
Ivana Keser, Institute for Development and International Relations, Croatia
Sanja Tišma, Institute for Development and International Relations, Croatia
Jakša Puljiz, Institute for Development and International Relations, Croatia
Sanja Maleković, Institute for Development and International Relations, Croatia

About the Presenter(s)
Ivana Keser is a researcher at the Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb. Her work focuses on policy analysis and sustainability, advancing theoretical, methodological and applied research within ongoing scientific projects.

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